Media maul Brazil after Paraguay draw

Updated: 10 July 2011 23:07 IST

Brazil came in for a hammering in the local media on Sunday after the holders again disappointed at the Copa America, a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Paraguay meaning hopes of reaching the quarter-finals lie in the balance.

Written by Agence-France Presse

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Rio De Janeiro:

Brazil came in for a hammering in the local media on Sunday after the holders again disappointed at the Copa America, a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Paraguay meaning hopes of reaching the quarter-finals lie in the balance.

The media had already castigated Mano Manezes' side after a dull opening goalless draw with traditional makeweights Venezuela.

But they were more horrified to see another poor showing which means the Venezuelans now look down on the five-time world champions as group leaders.

"Deception and crisis" was the verdict of national daily O Globo.

"The dreadful performance of the Brazilian side once again disappointed following their 2-2 draw with Paraguay."

The paper also noted that the dropped Robinho had left the stadium after the game without commenting, suggesting a falling-out with the coach.

Folha de Sao Paulo noted the team had developed a tendency to be sloppy in possession as Ganso "gave the ball away 13 times, Neymar 10 and Pato nine."

It was only a last-gasp intervention from substitute Fred which saved Brazilian blushes as he netted on 89 minutes.

O Estado de Sao Paulo groaned: "The team played badly again."

A commentator for the same paper said the performance was so bad that "they made supporters fall asleep in front of the television set".